Sunday, February 2, 2014

Traveling the Grand Del Mar

The Grand Del Mar is absolutely spectacular. The word Grand is a perfect word to describe the resort in north San Diego county. Upon checking in with the friendly front desk staff, we were shown to our gorgeous large room with beautiful décor and high quality amenities. We then headed off with our children to the Explorer’s Club for kids. They had some wonderful toys, arts and crafts and other fun things to play with. While my wife stayed with the kids, I jumped in their adult lap pool for a nice swim. While doing my swim, I heard some relaxing music when under water. I found out that there are speakers in all the pools playing music you can hear when you go under water. What a neat concept.

I then headed to the spa for a massage with therapist Polly Brasch, who made me feel like jello with a fantastic deep tissue treatment including some reflexology on my feet and a wonderful oil that made my skin feel super soft. I headed back to change for dinner at Amaya in the hotel. We were blown away by the restaurant including chef Matt Sramek with his creativity and delicious food.We started with the refreshing roasted beet salad with goat cheese and molasses-candied walnuts. The Catalan-style shrimp and pan seared diver scallop were both incredible appetizers. For entrees, we were in the mood for seafood.The fish was so fresh and some of the best we have ever had. The roasted Chilean sea bass with corn and fava beans in a lobster bordelaise sauce and the pan-roasted Alaskan halibut with mascarpone polenta, king trumpet mushrooms with rosemary jus and smoked tomato marmalade were off the charts.The presentation was eye-catching while the variety of flavors served on their hot plate still has my mouth watering.Our server, Simon, was very attentive and helpful. Just a top-notch place for dinner.I took a little walk around the crowded lobby with their live musician playing piano and saxaphone. I had planned on checking out Club M but after the massage and dinner, I totally was out of it and out for the night in the comfortable bed while the rest of the family fell asleep as well.

After a good night’s sleep, we woke up for a family swim and a little breakfast at the café before checking out. The croissants were out of this world as we enjoyed them with their steel cut oatmeal.

THE GRAND DEL MAR NAMED #1 RESORT IN CALIFORNIA AND #4 IN CONTINENTAL U.S.

BY READERS OF TRAVEL + LEISURE MAGAZINE
Readers of Esteemed Travel Publication Give High Marks to San Diego Resort
SAN DIEGO – Adding to its growing collection of high profile awards, The Grand Del Mar has received top honors in Travel + Leisure (T+L) magazine, which ranks the San Diego luxury resort as number one in California and number four in the Continental U.S. in its 18th annual “World’s Best Awards,” an annual compendium that lists the world’s top travel experiences.
In addition, The Spa at The Grand Del Mar – a 21,000-square-foot, Renaissance-inspired resort showpiece – makes its “World’s Best” debut ranking among the top five spas in the Continental U.S.
Each year, the travel publication asks its readers to vote on properties, companies and destinations they love, with voting categories including rooms, location, service, food and value. The results represent the very best in travel today – showcasing properties and destinations that typically go above and beyond the norm.
According to Tom Voss, president of The Grand Del Mar, the resort earned a remarkable 93.27 percent rating and The Spa, a 94.83 rating – naming both in the top five for their categories in the Continental U.S.
“We are honored to achieve such a high ranking by the readers of one of the country’s most respected travel publications,” said Voss. “Since opening over five years ago, we have received national and international accolades. This latest recognition is another testament to the hard work and dedication of our talented staff who work hard every day to ensure the stellar quality of our services, amenities and facilities.” Earlier this year The Grand Del Mar was one of just six resorts in the country to receive three Five-Star designations – for lodging, spa and dining – from Forbes. It is the only hotel in San Diego to ever achieve Five-Star status.
The results of the 18th annual Travel + Leisure “World's Best Awards” survey are listed on www.TravelandLeisure.com/worldsbest and featured in the magazine's August digital editions and its August print issue that will hit U.S. newsstands later this month.About The Grand Del Mar
Situated amid a spectacular private preserve in Coastal North San Diego County, The Grand Del Mar is a luxurious retreat that combines the old-world charm of a Mediterranean estate with the modern luxuries of a world-class resort. The AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five-Star property features: 249 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites; San Diego’s only Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course; a Forbes Five-Star Renaissance-inspired spa; regional dining, including the award-winning Addison with Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef William Bradley; four swimming pools; two outdoor tennis courts; an enclave of residential Villas; and more than 20,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space. For reservations, please call, toll-free, 1-877-814-8472; or book online at www.TheGrandDelMar.com